By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: Tragedy has struck Bobi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, as a suspected cholera outbreak has claimed two lives, including that of a 70-year-old man, Mr. John Okusanren.
Family members of the deceased disclosed that Mr. Okusanren died on Friday, January 17, after sudden bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. “It was shocking,” a family member recounted. “He started vomiting and stooling, and before we could do anything, he passed away.”
The first death from the suspected outbreak was reported two days earlier, on Wednesday, January 15. Since then, several residents with similar symptoms have been rushed to hospitals in Warri for urgent medical care.
Reports indicate that the outbreak may have spread to nearby Burutu in Burutu Local Government Area, with health workers raising concerns over increasing cases of vomiting and diarrhea.
Riverine communities in Delta State, including Bobi and Burutu, have long grappled with inadequate access to safe drinking water. Many residents rely on untreated water sources, which health experts warn are breeding grounds for waterborne diseases like cholera.
“Clean water is a major challenge here,” a health worker lamented. “Visitors and locals alike often fall ill because of the unsafe water.”
While the Delta State Ministry of Health is yet to confirm the outbreak, officials are reportedly mobilizing resources to address the situation. Residents are being advised to boil drinking water, practice good hygiene, and avoid consuming water from untreated sources.
Community leaders are appealing to the government for immediate intervention to tackle the water crisis and prevent more casualties. “We need urgent help,” a community spokesperson said. “Lives are at risk, and this is not the first time we’ve faced such an outbreak.”
Efforts to reach the Delta State Ministry of Health for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
With cases rising and fear spreading among residents, the affected communities are calling on authorities to provide potable water, deploy medical personnel, and intensify awareness campaigns to prevent further loss of lives.
Health officials urge residents to report any suspected cases promptly to the nearest health facility for immediate attention.